9 Business Credit Cards Worth the Annual Fee

The best business credit cards have hefty welcome offers and generous rewards. Of course, the best cards often come with an annual fee as well, but before you jump in, you should weigh whether the annual fee is worth it.

We divided these cards into three categories: daily driver, triple play, and category king. A daily driver earns elevated rewards on all purchases. It’s the first credit card you should have. These cards usually pay a flat rate 2% cash back or 2x points or miles. If you only want one credit card, it should be one of these, but these cards also work as a great complement to other credit cards.

Triple play credit cards offer cash back rewards of 3% (or 3x points or miles) or more in three or more categories. If you add a second credit card to your reward strategy, one that has elevated rewards in everyday spending categories is ideal.

Finally, there are the category king cards. These cards earn 5% cash back or 5x points or miles on one or two categories, such as travel or hotel rewards.

For more on maximizing your credit card rewards, see Introducing the 1-2-3 Cash Back System to Maximize Your Rewards.

Daily Driver Business Credit Cards Worth the Annual Fee

Ink Business Premier® Credit Card

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Our Rating: 4.7

★★★★★☆

Ink Business Premier® Credit Card

Welcome Offer

Earn $1,000 bonus cash back

Annual Fee

$195

APR

Flex for Business variable APR: 19.49% – 27.49% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good, Excellent

Rewards: Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel^SM. Earn 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more. Earn unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.

The Ink Business Premier® Credit Card tops our list because it pays 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel^SM, 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more, and 2% cash back on other purchases. Add in the terrific welcome offer, and frankly, this is as close to a perfect credit card as you’ll find. Keep in mind that this is a charge card, so you do need to pay your balance in full every month.

2% cash back

All eligible purchases

Earn unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases

2.5% cash back

All eligible purchases

Earn 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more

5% cash back

Travel

Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel(SM)

Pros

Welcome offer
No foreign transaction fee
Up to 5% cash back
Earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points

Cons

Annual fee
Requires good credit
Can't transfer points to other Chase cards or travel partners

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	06/27/2023	690	Experian	$10,000
Approved	01/03/2023	755	Not Provided	$20,000
Approved	01/03/2023	766	Not Provided	$20,000
Approved	01/03/2023	768	Not Provided	$20,000

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

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Our Rating: 4.7

★★★★★☆

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Welcome Offer

Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel

Est. Value

Up to $875

Annual Fee

$0 intro for first year; $95 after that

APR

25.74% Variable

Credit Req’d

Excellent, Good

Rewards: Earn unlimited 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase.

Capital One Spark Miles for Business is a travel credit card for business owners. If you want to accumulate miles as quickly as possible, putting all your business expenses on this card should do the trick. The card also has a nice welcome offer plus up to a $120 statement credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry so you can breeze through the airport on your way to your flight. The annual fee is waived for the first year, so you can try it and see if it works for you.

2x miles

All eligible purchases

Earn 2 Miles per $1 on every purchase, everywhere.

5x miles

Select Categories

Earn 5 Miles per dollar on vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel.

5x miles

Hotels

Earn 5 Miles per dollar on hotels booked through Capital One Travel.

5x miles

Rental Cars

Earn 5 Miles per dollar on rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Pros

Welcome offer
No foreign transaction fee
Up to 2% cash back

Cons

Annual fee

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Denied	10/19/2022	580	Not Provided	---
Denied	10/19/2022	642	Experian	---

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

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Our Rating: 4.8

★★★★★☆

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Welcome Offer

$2,000 Cash Back

Est. Value

$2,000

Annual Fee

$150

APR

N/A Variable

Credit Req’d

Excellent

Rewards: Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2% cash back on other purchases.

Capital One Spark Cash Plus is a charge card for business owners with an excellent flat rate of 2% cash back on all purchases. This card is best suited for high-spending businesses with excellent credit. It has one of the highest welcome offers we’ve seen on a credit card, and if you’re a high-spend business, you should have no trouble meeting the spend to earn it. Keep in mind this is a charge card, and you’ll have to pay your balance in full every month. If you spend at least $150,000 annually on your card, you can get the annual fee refunded.

2% cash back

On all other eligible purchases

Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere-with no limits or category restrictions.

5% cash back

Hotels

Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels booked through Capital One Travel.

5% cash back

Rental Cars

Earn unlimited 5% cash back on rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Pros

Welcome offer
No foreign transaction fee
Up to 5% cash back
unlimited 2% cash back

Cons

Annual fee
Requires good credit
Pay your balance at the end of the month

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	11/01/2023	790	Not Provided	---

Triple Play Business Credit Cards Worth the Annual Fee

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Our Rating: 4.7

★★★★★☆

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 90,000 bonus points

Est. Value

Up to $1,125

Annual Fee

$95

APR

21.24%-26.24% Variable

Credit Req’d

Excellent, Good

Rewards: Earn 3x points on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1x points on all other purchases.

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card pays 3x points per on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services, and advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Not only does this include categories businesses spend a lot of money in, but the card also throws in a stellar welcome offer. And if you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel^SM, they are worth 25% more.

1x points

On all other eligible purchases

Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases

3x points

All eligible purchases

Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year.

Pros

Welcome offer
No foreign transaction fee
Earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points
Earn up to 3x points

Cons

Annual fee
Requires good credit

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	09/04/2023	760	Not Provided	---
Approved	09/26/2023	746	Experian	$5,500
Approved	09/26/2023	764	TransUnion	$5,500
Approved	09/26/2023	798	Equifax	$5,500
Approved	12/27/2023	710	Not Provided	$14,500
Approved	07/03/2023	755	Experian	$14,500
Approved	09/21/2023	816	Not Provided	---
Approved	01/06/2024	825	Experian	$10,000
Approved	01/06/2024	845	Equifax	$10,000
Approved	01/06/2024	845	TransUnion	$10,000
Approved	10/31/2023	788	Experian	$63,000
Approved	10/31/2023	804	TransUnion	$63,000

American Express® Business Gold Card

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Our Rating: 4.5

★★★★★☆

American Express® Business Gold Card

Welcome Offer (Terms Apply)

Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points

Est. Value

Up to $2,000

Annual Fee

$375

APR

18.99% – 27.99% Variable

Credit Req’d

Excellent, Good

Rewards: Earn 4x Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Earn 3x Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card. Earn 1x points on other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.

American Express® Business Gold Card is for business owners who spend the most on the following categories: Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio); U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers; U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery; U.S. purchases at gas stations; Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways; Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S. You earn elevated rewards on those top two spend categories up to $150,000 per calendar year (1x points thereafter).

There are also several credits included, such as a $240 flexible business credit (up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. Enrollment required.) You can also get a $155 Walmart+ subscription credit (Receive a statement credit for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Business Gold Card. The annual fee for the card is a bit high, but if you use the credits and rewards it’s worth it.

Terms Apply

1x points

On all other eligible purchases

1X is earned for other eligible purchases.

3x points

Airfare

Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.

3x points

Hotels

Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.

4x points

Select Categories

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.

Pros

Welcome offer
No foreign transaction fee
Up to 4X Points

Cons

Annual fee
Requires good credit

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	02/01/2024	760	Not Provided	---
Approved	07/15/2023	709	Equifax	---
Approved	07/15/2023	715	Equifax	---
Approved	07/15/2023	719	TransUnion	---
Approved	07/15/2023	724	Experian	---
Approved	07/15/2023	726	TransUnion	---
Approved	01/10/2024	797	Experian	---
Approved	10/13/2023	682	Equifax	---
Approved	10/13/2023	721	Experian	---
Approved	10/13/2023	732	TransUnion	---
Approved	06/06/2023	780	Not Provided	---
Approved	01/22/2024	725	Experian	---

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

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Our Rating: 4.4

★★★★★☆

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

Welcome Offer (Terms Apply)

Earn 5 Free Night Awards,

Est. Value

5 Free Night Awards

Annual Fee

$125

APR

20.49% – 29.49% Variable

Credit Req’d

Excellent, Good

Rewards: Earn 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. Earn 4x points for purchases made a restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on U.S. purchases for shipping, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers. Earn 2x points on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is great for business travelers who prefer to stay at Marriott hotels. You also get elevated rewards for everyday purchases at U.S. gas stations and restaurants worldwide, and a flat rate of 2x points on other eligible purchases. Cardholders get automatic Gold Elite status which includes priority late checkout and a 25% bonus on hotel stays. You also get one Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month and an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.

Terms Apply.

2x points

On all other eligible purchases

Earn 2x Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card points on all other eligible purchases.

4x points

Cell phone service

Earn 4x points on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers.

4x points

Select Categories

Earn 4x points on U.S. purchases for shipping.

4x points

Dining

Earn 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide.

4x points

Gas

Earn 4x points for purchases made at U.S. gas stations.

6x points

Hotels

Earn 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.

Pros

Welcome offer
No foreign transaction fee
Up to 6x points

Cons

Annual fee
Requires good credit

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	05/03/2023	819	Experian	$10,000
Approved	12/04/2023	757	Equifax	$3,000
Approved	12/04/2023	773	Experian	$3,000
Approved	12/04/2023	794	TransUnion	$3,000

Category King Business Credit Cards Worth the Annual Fee

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

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Our Rating: 4.5

★★★★★☆

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Welcome Offer (Terms Apply)

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points

Est. Value

Up to $3,000

Annual Fee

$695

APR

18.99% – 27.99% Variable

Credit Req’d

Excellent, Good

Rewards: Earn 5x Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com. Earn 1.5x points on eligible purchases at U.S. construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Earn 1x points on other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is for frequent business travelers, which is why we put it in the category king slot. It comes with a slew of valuable credits as well, such as a $200 airline fee credit, a $199 CLEAR^® Plus credit, a $120 wireless service credit, and a $150 Adobe credit—the list goes on. You get airport lounge access and cell phone protection. And you earn 1.5x points for purchases over $5,000. Terms Apply.

Cell phone protection: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

1x points

On all other eligible purchases

Earn 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.

1.5x points

Select Categories

Earn 1.5X points (that's an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.

5x points

Airfare

5X Membership Rewards® points on flights on AmexTravel.com.

5x points

Hotels

5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels on amextravel.com.

Pros

Welcome offer
No foreign transaction fee
Up to 5x points

Cons

Annual fee
Requires good credit

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	02/11/2023	720	Not Provided	---
Approved	08/29/2023	767	Experian	---
Approved	08/03/2023	690	Not Provided	$50,000
Approved	03/24/2023	788	Not Provided	$2,000
Denied	12/11/2023	753	Experian	---

Capital One Venture X Business

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Our Rating: 4.9

★★★★★☆

Capital One Venture X Business

Welcome Offer

150,000 Miles

Est. Value

Up to $2,625

Annual Fee

$395

APR

N/A Variable

Credit Req’d

Excellent

Rewards: Earn unlimited 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, and unlimited 2X miles on every purchase.

The Capital One Venture X Business is for business owners who want the convenience of a premium travel charge card. You’ll need to pay your balance in full every month, but you get a terrific welcome offer and ongoing rewards that will quickly accumulate. Also included is a $300 travel credit and airport lounge access, so when you travel, you can do it with a level of comfort and convenience. Capital One only has three airport lounges, but you get access to Priority Pass lounges as well, and there are more than 1,300 of those.

2x miles

All eligible purchases

Earn 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase.

5x miles

Select Categories

Earn 5 Miles per dollar on vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel.

5x miles

Airfare

Earn 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel.

10x miles

Hotels

Earn 10 Miles per dollar on hotels booked through Capital One Travel.

10x miles

Rental Cars

Earn 10 Miles per dollar on rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Pros

Welcome offer
No foreign transaction fee
Unlimited 2X miles on every purchase

Cons

Annual fee
Requires good credit
Pay-in-full card

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	07/01/2023	752	Not Provided	---
Approved	01/11/2024	780	Not Provided	---
Approved	11/09/2023	768	Equifax	---
Approved	11/09/2023	783	TransUnion	---
Approved	11/09/2023	814	Experian	---
Denied	12/31/2023	741	TransUnion	---
Denied	12/31/2023	775	Equifax	---

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

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Our Rating: 4.3

★★★★★☆

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Welcome Offer (Terms Apply)

Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points

Est. Value

Up to $875

Annual Fee

$195

APR

20.49% – 29.49% Variable

Credit Req’d

Excellent, Good

Rewards: Earn 12x directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 5x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3x points thereafter. Terms Apply.

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is for business travelers who prefer to stay at Hilton hotels and resorts. The card offers up to $60 in statement credits each quarter for eligible purchases made directly with Hilton, and you’ll enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status (80% bonus on base points, room upgrades when available, daily food/beverage credit, or complimentary breakfast).

Terms Apply.

5x points

Select Categories

Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3X points thereafter.

12x points

Hotels

12X directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio

Pros

Welcome offer
No foreign transaction fee
Earn 12x at Hilton hotels

Cons

Annual fee
High APR

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	05/22/2022	686	Experian	$3,000

Summary

Small business owners don’t have any money to waste on credit cards that aren’t worth the annual fee. Of course, what works for your business might not work for someone else’s. Weigh the benefits and the fees and go with the card that makes the most sense for you.

Also read: Business Credit Cards With No Annual Fee